In 1953, Ottavio “Tai” Missoni (1921–2013) and Rosita Missoni (b. 1931) opened a small knitwear shop in Gallarate, Italy, paving the way for what would become an iconic style of colorful chevron knit.
Missoni began with a tracksuit, which featured zippers down the legs because, as Rosita recalls it, “Tai was too lazy to take off his shoes when putting them on.” The couple’s fashion really took off, though, once they discovered the Raschel knitting machine on a trip to a shawl factory. The machine enabled the Missonis to knit multiple colors in a zigzag pattern, a motif that would go on to become synonymous with the Missoni brand across everything from its alluring vintage day dresses and sweaters to its purses, seating and rugs.
Missoni held its first fashion show in Florence in 1967 and caused a bit of a sensation when the models’ Lurex dresses proved translucent under the lights at the Pitti Palace. Scandal aside, the show went down in history as a hit, and the Missonis soon made their debut in the United States with the help of legendary fashion editor Diana Vreeland, who gave the variegated Missoni stripe the Vogue seal of approval, saying, “Who says a rainbow has seven colors? It has many shades.” (It was also Vreeland who reportedly introduced the Missonis to Neiman Marcus president Stanley Marcus, effectively shepherding the brand to the American market.)
Missoni’s many-shaded rainbow would soon become an emblem of the 1970s fashion scene, earning the brand a permanent place in the fashion canon. In 1973, the New York Times proclaimed: “Missoni’s weaved garments have ended up universal materialistic trifles, as Vuitton sacks and Gucci shoes.” By then, Ottavio had been creating tapestries, and some of his knitted fabrics were shown in an exhibition at Galleria Il Naviglio in Venice in 1975.
The brand branched into the home market in 1983, with Rosita overseeing this new venture, Missoni Home, which included furniture, textiles and accessories. Daughter Angela succeeded her mother at the helm of the brand, where she served as creative director until 2021 and is currently president; her brother Luca is CEO, while her daughter Margherita was creative director of M Missoni, a modestly priced offshoot that was discontinued in 2021.
Find vintage Ottavio Missoni tapestries, rugs and other furniture today on 1stDibs.
$1,576Sale Price|20% Off
1980s Wool Rug by Ottavio Missoni, Made in Italy, Excellent Condition
By Ottavio Missoni
Located in Milano, IT
1980s Gorgeous rug by Missoni for T&J Vestor. Pure wool Made in Italy. In excellent condition like new. This rug is a true example of amazing Italian and has Missoni label. It ha...
Wool
Postmodern Murano glass vase by Ottavio Missoni, Italy
By Ottavio Missoni
Located in Milano, IT
Magnificent multicolored Murano blown glass vase designed by the famous Ottavio Missoni and made in the 1980s, a true masterpiece that embodies the essence of artistic design of the ...
Murano Glass
1980s Italian Woven Pure Wool "Optic" Rug Ottavio Missoni for T&J Vestor
By Ottavio Missoni
Located in Firenze, FI
Ottavio Missoni "Optic" vintage rug made in the 80s in pure virgin wool by the company T&J Vestor, founded in 1921 by Rosita Missoni, and now acquired by "Missoni Home". The "OPTIC" ...
Wool
Ottavio Missoni Italian Murano Glass "Mercurio" Plate for Arte Vetro Murano 1980
By Ottavio Missoni, Arte Vetraria Muranese (AVEM)
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Murano glass plate designed by Ottavio Missoni and produced by Arte Vetro Murano in the 1980s. " If you like it please make your offer and we will eval...
Murano Glass
Tapestry, design by Ottavio MISSONI for SAPORITI. Italy, 70s
By Ottavio Missoni
Located in Torino, IT
Tapestry, design by Ottavio MISSONI for SAPORITI. ORIGIN Italy PERIOD 70s/80s DESIGNER Octavius MISSONI MARK Saporiti MATERIALS Fabrics DIMENSIONS Work: 51 x 51 cm Frame: 76 x ...
Fabric
Ottavio Missoni, four large wall lamps in murano glass and metal. Italy 1980s
By Ottavio Missoni
Located in Catania, CT
Rare set of four exclusive sconces made from thick murano glass and metal. Engraved signature on the glass by Missoni. No chips or cracks. Italy 1980s. Full working with EU standard,...
Metal
Vintage Hand-Knotted Rug, model "Orion" designed by Ottavio Missoni for Missoni
By Missoni, Ottavio Missoni
Located in Beograd, RS
In this listing you will find a breathtaking postmodern rug designed by Ottavio Missoni for Missoni. Model "Orion" is an iconic piece designed as a patc...
Wool
Missoni wool rug for T & J Vestor Italia - 1980s
By Ottavio Missoni
Located in Firenze, FI
Ottavio Missoni carpet with geometric design inspired by the chevron pattern, very characteristic of his style. Carpet from the 1980s made of wool by the T & J Vestor company. Chevr...
Wool
Ottavio Missoni Limited Edition Geometric Rug for Missoni Home
By Ottavio Missoni, Missoni
Located in Conversano, IT
Stunning and rare "Orion T101" rug from the original Missoni Home Arazzi Patchwork collection, designed by Ottavio Missoni in 1991. Handcrafted in Italy from pure virgin wool, this limited-edition piece features complex, multicolored geometric motifs that embody Missoni's signature aesthetic. The design is completed by Missoni's iconic woven signature, marking it as an original collector's item. This particular colorway is extremely rare, distinguishing it from other known versions and vastly superior to recent Missoni rugs not made in Italy. This piece is in very good vintage condition with minimal wear on two corners, not affecting its beauty or integrity. One of the rarest color versions of this design, handmade in Italy. Dimensions Length: 234 cm (92.1 in) Width: 166 cm (65.4 in) Keywords: Missoni Home Rug 1991 - Ottavio Missoni Patchwork Carpet - Vintage Italian Designer Rug - Geometric Wool Rug Missoni...
Wool
1980s wool Missoni rug, Italy
By Missoni Home, Ottavio Missoni
Located in Firenze, FI
This carpet by Ottavio Missoni with measures 235 cm. x 166 cm. is pure wool in the 1980s. It features a harmonious combination of light blue, yellow and brown hues, evoking a vibra...
Wool
1980s Italian Woven Pure Wool "Arlequine" Rug Ottavio Missoni for T&J Vestor
By Ottavio Missoni
Located in Firenze, FI
Ottavio Missoni "Arlequine" vintage rug made in the 80s in pure virgin wool by the company T&J Vestor, founded in 1921 by Rosita Missoni, and now acquired by Missoni Home. This beaut...
Wool
Italian Vintage Tapestry by Missoni, 1980s
By Ottavio Missoni
Located in Renens, CH
Italian collectable tapestry, professionally framed. This piece, considered a work of art has been designed by Ottavio Missoni, (1921 – 2013) during the 1980s. The Missoni enterpris...
Wool, Plywood
1990s Geometric Woolen Rug by Ottavio Missoni, Italian Design
By Ottavio Missoni
Located in Milano, IT
1990s Gorgeous woolen rug by Ottavio Missoni with geometric motifs. Made in Italy. It's in excellent condition like new, and is a true example of amazing Italian design. It has been ...
Wool
$29,955Sale Price|33% Off
Missoni Patchwork Tapestry Handmade in 1980 By Ottavio Missoni 8' x 10' RARE
By Ottavio Missoni, Missoni
Located in Long Island, NY
Missoni – Patchwork Tapestry Prototype This Rare Tapestry Patchwork was made by Ottavio Missoni in the early 1980’s for the launch of the Missoni...
Wool
Vintage Ottavio Missoni Wall Hanging, Italy c1960s #2
By Ottavio Missoni
Located in Oakland, CA
Absolutely stunning vintage wall hanging by master fashion designer Ottavio Missoni c1960s. These two pieces have been wrapped in paper and stored for the last 60 years. These are fr...
Wool
"Mercurio" by Ottavio Missoni 1980s Italian Design Murano Glass Plate
By Ottavio Missoni
Located in Brescia, IT
"Mercurio" by Ottavio Missoni Arte Vetro Murano, 1980s Perfect condition.
Murano Glass
Ottavio Missoni "Rosita" rug produced by T&J Vestor Italia 1980s
By Ottavio Missoni
Located in Firenze, FI
This rug is a fine example of Ottavio Missoni's signature artistic design, made in the 1980s from pure virgin wool by the T&J Vestor company, founded in 1921 by Rosita Missoni. The ...
Wool
Rug, design by Ottavio MISSONI for SAPORITI. Italy, 70s
By Ottavio Missoni, Saporiti
Located in Torino, IT
Carpet, design by Ottavio MISSONI for SAPORITI. ORIGIN Italy PERIOD 70s/80s DESIGNER Octavius MISSONI MARK Saporiti MATERIALS Fabrics DIMENSIONS 240 x 240 cm CONDITIONS Perfet...
Fabric
$3,828Sale Price|46% Off
Missoni tapestry in wool signed Giorgio Saporiti '93
By Ottavio Missoni, Giorgio Saporiti
Located in Firenze, FI
Missoni tapestry, made by Giorgio Saporiti in 1993, as reported by the signature on the back. The design features a geometric pattern of repeated square blocks. The dominant colors...
Wool
$4,592Sale Price|23% Off
Ottavio Missoni, Chandelier with Incalmo and Calcedonia Murano Glass, 1980s
By Missoni Home, Ottavio Missoni
Located in Tavarnelle val di Pesa, Florence
This intriguing and lovely chandelier that represents the quintessential of the 1980s. That was the roaring decade of fashion houses, in particular Italians, and the Expansion beyon...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass, Milk Glass, Murano Glass
Light blue Missoni tapestry for hanging, Italy 1980s
By Ottavio Missoni
Located in Firenze, FI
Arazzo di Ottavio Missoni con il design tipico del suo stile. Characterized by repeated squares with shades of blue. Textures and colors alternate, creating depth and visual dynamis...
Wool
Postmodern Multicolored Murano Glass Vase by Ottavio Missoni, Italy 1980s
By Ottavio Missoni
Located in Catania, CT
Multicolored blown Murano glass designed by Ottavio Missoni and produced during the 80s in excellent vintage condition with normal trace of age and use. No cracks or chips.
Murano Glass
Ottavio Missoni Italian Murano Glass "Mercurio" Plate for Arte Vetro Murano 1980
By Ottavio Missoni, Arte Vetraria Muranese (AVEM)
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Murano glass plate designed by Ottavio Missoni and produced by Arte Vetro Murano in the 1980s. " If you like it please make your offer and we will eval...
Murano Glass
Italian modern virgin wool carpet geometric pattern by Missoni, T&J Vestor 1980
By Ottavio Missoni
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian modern colored virgin wool carpet with geometric pattern by Missoni for T&J Vestor, produced in 1980s. Rectangular carpet, in virgin wool, with a geometric pattern in differe...
Wool
Ottavio Missoni Eos Hand-Blown Murano Glass Vase Table Lamp
By Ottavio Missoni
Located in Byron Bay, NSW
Celebrated for its fearless use of color and avant-garde Italian design, Missoni brings its iconic aesthetic to this exceptional hand-blown Murano glass vase lamp. Crafted in the 199...
Murano Glass
Ottavio Missoni Patchwork in Wool Series Arras, Design in Years ’70 for Saporit
By Ottavio Missoni
Located in Biella, IT
Saporiti Italy production and design Ottavio years '70 first series arras patchwork in wool.
Textile, Wool
$4,592Sale Price|20% Off
H 10.63 in W 16.54 in D 13.39 in
Murano Glass Centerpiece by Giancarlo Signoretto, Italy, 1980
Located in Alessandria, Piemonte
Smart Venetian centerpiece, signed Signoretto and dated 1980 : very important unique piece ! Handles: Two moors black heads with turbans.: it's a ...
Art Glass
Piccolo Vetro Di Murano Carlo Scarpa
By Carlo Scarpa
Located in Milano, MI
L (cm) 5 Epoca Anni '40 Provenienza Venezia Artista Carlo Scarpa Manifattura adriatica Venezia Materiale Vetro di Murano Categoria Murano.
Murano Glass
$5,435
H 17.25 in Dm 5 in
Vintage Anzolo Fuga for Avem Opalescent Murano Glass Vase Murrines Red, Purple
By Anzolo Fuga, Arte Vetraria Muranese (AVEM)
Located in North Miami, FL
This absolutely stunning and rare Italian Murano vintage opalescent glass vase by Anzolo Fuga for Avem has glorious applied murrines of colors of reds, browns with a purple hint. The...
Blown Glass
$124Sale Price|25% Off
H 3.15 in Dm 1.97 in
Small Postmodern, Green Murano Glass, Bottle Vase by Nason, 1980's, Italy
By Vincenzo Nason & Cie
Located in Glasgow, GB
Small Postmodern style Murano Glass bottle vase by Nason. Handcrafted from mint green Murano glass in the form of a double gourd shape. The exterior is detailed with smooth linear s...
Murano Glass
$5,383
W 60.24 in L 103.55 in
Stunning Rare Original Vintage Missoni Rug In Pure Wool *FREE WORLDWIDE DELIVERY
By Missoni
Located in Portlaoise, IE
This stunning rare original rug dates from 1989 and has the Missoni signature and date woven into the corner. In pure wool and full of colour and geometric patterns it is certain to ...
Wool
Stunning Vintage Missoni Rug By T &J Vestor in Pure Wool *Free Shipping
By Missoni
Located in Portlaoise, IE
Stunning geometric patterned vintage Missoni wool rug by T & J Vestor. Bearing the original Missoni labels to the side and underneath. An exquisite rug presented in superb vintage co...
Wool
Italian Murano Glass Vase
Located in Antwerp, BE
Large, striking Murano glass vase, made in the 1960s in Murano (Italy) and most likely designed by Flavio Poli. Height: 11.4" - 29 cm. Diameter (at the top, largest): 7.8" - 20 cm. ...
Murano Glass
$5,981
H 59.85 in W 99.22 in D 0.08 in
1993 Ettore Sottsass Interflex Italian Design Wall Hanging Fabric Tapestry
By Ettore Sottsass
Located in Brescia, IT
"La Buona Stella" Tapestry designer Ettore Sottsass prod. Interflex 1993 Screen-printing on quilted Fabric Tapestry Label manufacture sewing on the back Perfect Condiction Limited ...
Fabric
Set of 6 Italian Murano glass tumblers 1980s
Located in Paris, IDF
This is a beautiful set of six colorful Murano glass tumblers made in Italy in the 1980s. These are inspired by Fulvio Bianconi and Paolo Venini tumblers...
Murano Glass
Design Wall Tapestry
Located in Praha, CZ
- 1960s - Perfect condition.
Wool
$520
H 26.78 in W 31.5 in D 0.32 in
1950s-70s Vintage Japanese small rag rug, modern Sakiori handwoven tapestry
Located in 常陸大宮市, JP
Vintage Japanese small rag rug - Sakiori (weaving method that uses torn fabrics) handcraft textile mat, 1950s to 1970s estimate from used materials and condition. This is, in the vei...
Cotton, Polyester
Tapestry, French Design Very Fine
Located in Evanston, IL
Tapestry, French design very fine, 9'3" x 6'8". This magnificent tapestry was handcrafted by skilled artists using the exact same method of weaving used in 16th century. It was woven...
Wool
Pair of Italian postmodern rug by Ottavio MiSSONI Mod. Rosita
By Missoni, Ottavio Missoni
Located in Milano, IT
Pair of Italian Postmodern Missoni 1980s Rugs - Geometric Design and Vibrant Colors, model Rosita. Explore the iconic aesthetic of the 1980s with these postmodern Italian rugs by Mis...
Wool
Ottavio Missoni's Geometrical Wool Carpet, Italy 1980s
By Ottavio Missoni
Located in Naples, IT
Vintage Missoni rug made of pure virgin wool with geometric patterns forming squares in bright and warm colors. It is an object of high quality and refinement, ideal for giving elega...
Wool
Sold
H 8.27 in W 1.19 in D 7.88 in
Pair of Murano glass wall sconces by Ottavio Missoni for Zonca, 1980s
By Ottavio Missoni
Located in Bastia Umbra, IT
Pair of green and blue murano glass wall sconces by Ottavio Missoni for Zonca, 1980s. The dark gray metal frame designed by Ottavio Missoni, and made by "ARTE VETRO MURANO" for Zonca...
Murano Glass
1980s Missoni Hand-Blown Multicoloured Murano Glass Bowl
By Ottavio Missoni
Located in Florence, Tuscany
In the 1980s Ottavio Missoni designed a small collection of Murano glass pieces with the Venetian furnace, Vetri Arte Murano. This wonderful large glass red bowl is one of the most e...
Glass, Art Glass, Blown Glass
1980s Gorgeous Geometric Italian Woolen Rug by Missoni for T&J Vestor
By Ottavio Missoni
Located in Puglia, Puglia
This vintage Ottavio Missoni carpet was made in the 1980s in pure virgin wool by the T&J Vestor company, founded in 1921 by Rosita Missoni, and now acquired by Missoni Home. this bea...
Wool
1980s Italian Woven Pure Wool Vintage Rug Ottavio Missoni for T&J Vestor
By Ottavio Missoni
Located in Firenze, FI
This Ottavio Missoni vintage rug was made in the 80s in pure virgin wool by the company T&J Vestor, founded in 1921 by Rosita Missoni, and now acquired by Missoni Home. thi beautiful optical rug...
Wool
1980s Italian Woven Pure Wool "Luxor" Rug Ottavio Missoni for T&J Vestor
By Ottavio Missoni
Located in Firenze, FI
Ottavio Missoni "Luxor" vintage rug made in the 80s in pure virgin wool by the company T&J Vestor, founded in 1921 by Rosita Missoni, and now acquired by Missoni Home. The "Luxor" mo...
Wool
Sold
H 23.23 in W 11.42 in D 11.42 in
Mid-Century Modern Lamp Stripe Murano Glass Glass by Missoni, Italy, 1970s
By Ottavio Missoni, Missoni
Located in SAINT-OUEN, FR
Mid-Century Modern Space Age table or bedside lamp in stripe murano glass by the italian design manufacture Missoni founded by Ottavio Missoni . Famous manufacture like Venini, La Mu...
Murano Glass
Italian Design Classic Woolen Vintage Tapestry by Missoni, 1980s
By Missoni Home, Ottavio Missoni
Located in Renens, CH
Woolen tapestry, professionally framed. This piece, considered a work of art has been designed by Ottavio Missoni, (1921 – 2013) during the 1980s. The Missoni enterprise was founded...
Wool
Missoni Large Arte Vetro Murano Polychromatic Marble Italian Vase, 1980
By Arte Verto, Ottavio Missoni
Located in Roma, IT
Large modern Murano black and colored glass with polychromatic marble vase. It has made by Arte Vetro Murano for Missoni Limited edition of 300 copies. Th...
Glass
Sold
H 27.56 in W 15.75 in D 9.45 in
Ottavio Missoni Italian Murano Glass "Mercurio" Table Lamp for Arte Vetro, 1980
By Ottavio Missoni, Arte Vetraria Muranese (AVEM)
Located in Puglia, Puglia
Murano glass lamp designed by Ottavio Missoni and produced by Arte Vetro Murano in the 1980s. The structure is in silver and black metal. " If you like it please make your offer and...
Murano Glass
Italian Machine Made Wool Carpet by Ottavio Missoni for T&J Vestor, 1980s
By Ottavio Missoni
Located in MIlano, IT
Italian machine made wool carpet by Ottavio Missoni for T&J Vestor, 1980s Spotted and with small damaged areas. Measures: 235 x 170 cm.
Fabric